KOTA BARU: Perikatan Nasional secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has not ruled out the possibility of being nominated as the Opposition Leader in the Dewan Rakyat.
He would be replacing Larut MP Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin in the role.
"As PAS members, we rely on the trust given to us. Until that trust is granted, we cannot say if we accept it or not. If there is an instruction, we accept it," he told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (March 17).
Takiyuddin was responding to suggestions that he is among the top candidates qualified for the position.
He noted that regardless of the final choice, the individual would be a PAS Member of Parliament.
Perikatan chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar recently stated that the name of the new Opposition Leader would be known by late this month or early next month.
Takiyuddin acknowledged that Ahmad Samsuri, popularly known as Dr Sam, is also a potential candidate.
"Dr Sam is one of those qualified because he is a Menteri Besar and the Perikatan chairman. Previously, the Perikatan secretary-general held the post, so the chairman is even more qualified," he said.
However, he clarified that PAS has yet to finalise a shortlist.
"The names haven't really cropped up yet. PAS hasn't made a final decision because everyone is qualified," he said.
He added that considerations must be made regarding Ahmad Samsuri’s duties as Terengganu Menteri Besar if he were appointed.
"We have to see if it is suitable. However, in 1999, the then Terengganu MB Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang also served as Opposition Leader.
"So there is no issue; we will look at the current situation and choose the best among us. We work collectively, not individually," he said.
On March 14, it was reported that Perikatan had decided the Opposition Leader post would be held by a PAS MP to replace Hamzah.
